Abstract: A transportation and storage system for at least two wind turbine blades and comprising a first wind turbine blade and a second wind turbine blade is described. The wind turbine blades each having a root end and a tip end, said system comprising a packaging system that is adapted to placing the first wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the first wind turbine blade points in a first direction, and placing the second wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the second wind turbine blade points in a second direction, which is substantially opposite to the first direction. The tip end of the second wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the first wind turbine blade, and the tip end of the first wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the second wind turbine blade, when the first and the second wind turbine blades are arranged in the packaging system.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed for transporting a rotor blade having a first end and a second end defining a rotor blade length. The transportation system includes a truck configured to transport the rotor blade, the truck including a bed having a forward end and a distal end defining a bed length. The transportation system further includes a first fixture configured on the bed, the first fixture comprising a generally arcuate guide member and a support frame slidable along the guide member, the support frame configured to support the rotor blade. The transportation system further includes a second fixture configured on the bed for one of slidable support or rotatable support of the rotor blade. Movement of at least one of the first fixture or the second fixture rotates the rotor blade within a plane defined by the bed.

Abstract: A cargo holding apparatus configured to secure cargo in a pickup truck cargo bed and facilitate unloading of the cargo therefrom is provided with a holding frame having cross members forming a top and a bottom of the holding frame; and side support members forming a left side and a right side of the holding frame, where the cross members being joined to the side support members at each end; a strap secured to each side support member, the strap being dimensioned to extend at least a length of the cargo bed; and a clamping member disposed and a left and a right side vertical walls of the cargo bed at a position nearest a lift gate of the cargo bed, each of the straps being fed through respective clamping members, the respective clamping members securely holding each strap when in an engaged aspect and allowing each strap to slide unrestricted when in a disengaged aspect.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo storage press for organizing and securing cargo items stored in a cargo storage area of an automobile. The adjustable cargo storage press is disposed within or integrated with a cargo area of an automotive vehicle such as a trunk, bed or bed liner of a car, truck, or sport utility vehicle. The press prevents movement of cargo items and potential damage to the cargo items during transport. The press also maintains the position of the cargo items for easy removal from the cargo storage area. The press includes one or more hinged walls that lock in a vertical position and move towards each other along guide tracks. The one or more hinged walls compress the cargo items between the hinged walls, and fold flat when not in use so as not to limit cargo storage capacity of the cargo storage area.

Abstract: A transportation system for a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The transportation system includes a root fixture adapted to receive the root end of the wind turbine rotor blade, and a tip end fixture adapted to receive a tip end of the wind turbine rotor blade. The root fixture and the tip end fixture are provided as separate transportable units.

Abstract: A three aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3) packing system for transporting, handling and storing of aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3). The prior art does not provide for cost-effective packing systems for sets of three blades. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of packing three aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3) and other aspect is directed to a packing system comprising a root frame (4) and a binding frame (5), wherein the blades (1, 2, 3) are in a edgewise position.

Abstract: A transporting tool for tower transporting sections of wind turbine tower by railway, road and sea transport vehicles that includes a lower module, with bottom clamps and an upper module, with upper clamps, chocks mounted to the tower module, and fastening elements that combined allow anchoring the tower section, for transport.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement contains approximately three hundred and twenty four ends an approximately four hundred and eighty four filaments and each filament comprises one or more polyester monofilament strands having a total break strength of approximately between fifteen point nine and twenty point seven grams.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of ends of filaments each filament comprises a plurality of one or more monofilament strands wherein the layer of reinforcement material has a break strength of between approximately three million two hundred forty three thousand one hundred and sixty nine grams and two million four hundred ninety four thousand seven hundred forty five grams.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement contains approximately three hundred twenty four ends of reinforcing material and each end of reinforcement material comprises approximately three hundred and twenty one to four hundred and seventeen filaments of reinforcement material and each filament comprises one or more monofilament strands having a total break strength of approximately twenty four grams.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement filaments each have a break strength of approximately fifteen point nine (15.9 grams to approximately twenty point seven (20.7) grams.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement contains approximately two hundred and fifteen to two hundred and seventy nine ends of reinforcing material and each end of reinforcement material comprises approximately four hundred and eighty four filaments of reinforcement material and each filament comprises one or more monofilament strands having a total break strength of approximately twenty four grams.

Abstract: The method makes use of four top corner plates (3), four bottom corner plates (4) and five center plates (5). Each plate (3, 4 and 5) has a number of holes (2) that accept and retain swivel connectors (1) and adjustable connector straps (8) that mechanically connect the corner plates (3) and (4) and center plates (5) and in this manner allow for the even restraining of the goods (7) packed on the pallet (14).

Abstract: A rack assembly for transportation of pressurized gas bottles in a vehicle has a first rack on one side and a second rack on the other side each supporting five upright bottles in a row, together with a rigid transverse brace structure connecting between an upper part of the first rack and an upper part of the second rack to hold the first and second rack members in braced position at said first and second sides. Each of the racks is formed by an inner and an outer plate member each having five part circular cut outs in the adjacent surfaces surrounded by a resilient strip for clamping the bottles side by side by an over-center latch which tightens the members together.

Abstract: A system including apparatus and methods for compressively retaining cargo to a vehicular or other surface may, after an initial “rough” adjustment, allow for the operation of a compression force enhancement element to enhance a compression force through relative sliding movement and so that cargo may be retained as intended. Aspects of the inventive technology may relate to the allowance for one-handed manipulation of the compression force enhancement element (e.g., a rotatable lever) through perhaps less than one-quarter of a rotation in order to enhance the compression force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bunk of a load space which bunk (12) includes a frame component (15), a support component (14) articulated to at least one end of the frame component (15), and two bunk arms (16, 17). At least one bunk arm (17) is composed of two or more plates (18, 19, 20) wherein one of the plates (18) is profiled to a curved form (10) on the transverse plane at the position of the load space and the other plate (20) is made parallel to the curved surface of the bunk arm (17) for widening the surface area of the bunk arm (17).

Abstract: A system of method for automated deployment of a plurality photovoltaic solar panels carried as a unit by a carrier. The system includes an installation trailer, a robot having a mechanism for picking up a carrier and a push actuator. Carriers carrying a plurality of solar panels as a unit may be installed using the system by carrying a plurality of carriers on an installation trailer to a row of rails onto which the carriers are to be installed. The robot picks up each carrier and aligns and places the carrier on the rail system. The push actuator pushes the carrier down the rail system, making space for the next carrier to be installed.

Abstract: A load securing device for stacked cargo comprises a body member having contact surfaces adapted to engage a side portion of a cargo item that is stacked on a pair of each of a pair of stacked cargo items. One end of a flexible member such as a strap is attached to the body member. The flexible member extends through a space created between the stacked items or the stacked items and a carrier surface, with its other end being secured to a carrier supporting the stacked items. Optimally, and when expecting forces to be applied to both sides of the stacked items, a load securing device is placed on either side of the stacked items so that forces arising during the transport of the stacked items are resisted in both directions.

Abstract: A reusable pallet wrap for securing lading on pallets. The invention consists of an adjustable flexible wrap made from one rectangular shaped cloth (synthetic blend preferred) and has hook and loop fasteners sewn on the ends. The ends run from top to bottom of the wrap. Squares of hook and loop fastener are secured to the bottom of the wrap that line up with each corner of the pallet. Sewn into these squares are straps that are passed under the pallet to connect the wrap to the pallet. Once this is done, the load is secured to the pallet. Two straps with hook and loop fastener ends are also sewn directly to the wrap that give an added stability to load as well as to secure the wrap. Finally, a top cover can be added if load requires protection from the elements.

Abstract: Support which absorbs the torsion to which blades are subjected during transport, comprising a set of pins (17) inserted in the floor (8) of the container (1) and to the sides of a hollow pipe (21), which connect by means of a clevis (18) to different rods (19) secured with fastening pins (20) that facilitate the lengthways and angular rotation of the unit. The first support is located at a distance “d” from the leading edge of the cradle (9), next to the platform (16) formed between the ribs (15) which run through the lower shell (14). The second support is located on the other side of the platform (16) also inserted between the aforementioned ribs (15). Both supports are inclined at an angle ? in relation to the floor (8), each forming articulated quadrilaterals.

Abstract: An assembly for securing cargo, the assembly incorporating a load bed having oppositely positioned paired sides; at least a first pair of arms, each arm having a proximal end and a distal end; arm attaching joints interconnecting the load bed and the proximal ends of the arms, the arm attachments oppositely positioning the arms at one of the load bed's oppositely positioned paired sides; a tie having a pair of ends; tie attaching connections interconnecting the tie's ends and the arms' distal ends so that the load bed, the arms, and the tie border a first cargo securing space; and telescoping quill and shaft combinations connected operatively to the arms, the telescoping quill and shaft combinations being adapted for alternatively distally expanding and proximally contracting the first cargo securing space.

Abstract: A cargo securing apparatus for holding cargo to the bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck includes a one-piece body and straps. The body has a first horizontally extending portion, a second vertically extending portion and a third angled portion. The horizontal portion extends either under or over the cargo. The vertical panel extends along the end of the cargo. Straps are used to secure the body to the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-tensioning tie down assembly (2) for tightening retaining straps (70) about winches (64) securing cargo (71) on a carrier (73). The assembly (2) has an actuator (15) connected to a pneumatic circuit (61) and providing reciprocating linear motion to a torque linkage (60) connected to the winch (64). The torque linkage (60) has a wrap spring clutch (17) connectable to the ratchet wheel (7) of the winch (64) and a connector arm (11) connected to the actuator (15). The torque linkage (60) transmits the linear motion to the winch (64) as a corresponding rotational motion. The required tension level of the retaining strap (70) is pre-set. Pressure within the circuit (61) drives the actuator (15) thereby actuating the torque linkage (60) which tightens the strap (70) on the winch (64) until the tension level is reached.

Abstract: A tie-down arrangement uses a draw-string bag to provide securement to a wide variety of loads.

Abstract: Load restraining apparatuses, systems and methods are provided. In general, in the several embodiments, a load restraining apparatus can include a base, a load restraining component, and anchor. In other embodiments, a load restraining apparatus can include one or more strap blocks, each having a base block, top plate, and outer lip, the base blocks having through slots through which a strap can be threaded and wrapped upon itself with a ratchet. In other embodiments, a load restraining apparatus can include a mounting plate having orthogonally arranged ratchets each connected to a strap for wrapping around or along a load, one strap connected to a strap coupler having additional straps connected to the coupler.

Abstract: A holding rack for mounting on truck tailgates is disclosed. The inventive holding rack is used with a truck bed to securely haul loads with a truck. The holding rack broadly includes a rack body for receiving the load, a hold-down mechanism that attaches to the rack body to engage the load, and a support frame. The support frame attaches to the tailgate and shiftably receives the holding rack and thereby permits placement of the rack in a stored position and in a load-supporting position where the load is secured while the tailgate is in its upright, latched position.

Abstract: The method makes use of four top corner plates (3), four bottom corner plates (4) and five centre plates (5). Each plate (3, 4 and 5) has a number of holes (2) that accept and retain swivel connectors (1) and adjustable connector straps (8) that mechanically connect the corner plates (3) and (4) and centre plates (5) and in this manner allow for the even restraining of the goods (7) packed on the pallet (14).

Abstract: A method of transporting and storing a wind turbine blade includes providing a wind turbine blade including a blade root having a longitudinal central axis and a blade tip. The wind turbine blade curves in an unloaded state in such a manner that the blade presents a substantially concave face and a substantially convex face, and such that the blade tip is spaced apart from the longitudinal central axis of the blade root. The wind turbine blade is prestressed at a distance from the blade root in such a manner that the blade tip is brought closer to the longitudinal central axis of the blade root.

Abstract: A container is described herein which uses three different types of restraining mechanisms to help secure glass sheets therein so that the glass sheets can be safely transported from one facility (e.g., a manufacturing facility) to a second facility (e.g., a customer facility). The first type of restraining mechanism includes two collapsible retainer bar mechanisms which are connected to one another by a support bar that can be moved so as to secure the major surfaces of the glass sheets. The second type of restraining mechanism includes two side restraints which are used to help secure the two opposing sides of the glass sheets. The third type of restraining mechanism includes two secondary retainer mechanisms each of which has a stopper that is moved to help secure/support the bottom portion of the glass sheets.

Abstract: A trailer assembly for transporting one or more vertically-oriented panels includes a frame having front and rear sections, a first set of lower crossbeams extending laterally across the front section of the frame, and a second set of lower crossbeams extending laterally across the rear section of the frame. The crossbeams provide vertical support for the panel(s). A hitch extending from the front section of the frame is attachable to a towing vehicle. A set of front vertical members extend upwardly from either the hitch or the frame. A set of front crossbeams extend laterally between the front vertical members and a set of rear crossbeams extend laterally between the rear vertical members. The front and rear crossbeams impede longitudinal movement of the panel(s). A set of wheels axially mounted on struts extend laterally from oppositely facing sides of the rear section of the frame.

Abstract: A load binder including a clamp mechanism for clamping onto container members such side boards of a shipping container. The clamp mechanism includes arms having connecting members adapted to couple to a binding strap, as well as gripping members and a gripping pad adapted to clamp against the container member in response to an urging of connecting members towards one another. The arms and the gripping pad may be pivotal about a common axis. Further enhanced binding action may be achieved via a cam buckle provided with double lining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corner protector of a window having a frame with an integral flange. The corner protector comprises a plurality of corrugated layers. The corrugated layers form two portions. A first portion is configured to be attached to a first portion of a window frame. A second portion is configured to be attached to a second portion of a window frame, wherein a corner is located intermediate the first portion and the second portion of the window frame. A free portion of the first portion of the member extends beyond the corner and overlaps the second portion of the member.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the bed of the car to form tube bundle packs. The packs are separated by panels. A spacing block is configured to go within the longitudinally extending remaining space left over after loading a finite number of packs. This spacing block include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates and the panels. Padding is arranged on the bulkheads as well. The panels and spacing block may be tied to the railcar through boards and dunnage.

Abstract: A cross-weave load restraint system and method for securing cargo within transport containers including first and second load restraining strips wherein the first strip is formed with a cross-weave material and the second strip is composed of parallel strands of reinforcement materiel. The first and second strips of reinforcement material are secured together with an adhesive layer and a second layer of adhesive is provided for attaching the cross-weave load restraining strip to an interior surface of a transport container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a load restraining system and method for securing cargo within a transport container, which is subject to shifting forces. A system includes first and second load restraining strips that cab be self-adhered onto interior wall surfaces of a transport container and extend across cargo within the container. The first load restraining strip has a first adhesive element, which can engage an interior wall surface, and a second adhesive element on a second side, which can engage a surface of cargo to be restrained. A second load restraining strip has a third adhesive element on a first side, which engage an interior wall surface of the container. A fourth adhesive element connected to one of the load restraining strips is operable to secure the two load restraining strips together.

Abstract: A retaining member 16 is provided for use with a frame 10 for packaging elongate members, such as sections of drill pipe. The retaining member 16 comprises a pressure plate 18 on which is mounted a pair of pivoting hooks 20 for engaging with protrusions 36 formed on the frame 10. The hooks 20 are connected to threaded rods 28 received in a sleeve 30. A ratcheted handle 34 allows selective rotation of the sleeve 30 to draw the rods 28 therein, and to pivot the hooks 20 to urge the pressure plate 18 against members received within the frame 10. A quick release mechanism is provided to allow easy release of the hooks 20 and the retaining member 16.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus comprising a first arm defining a pair of opposing ends, each of said opposing ends attached to a restrainer; a second arm defining a translatable end to which a restrainer is attached and an opposing end attached to said first arm; a third arm defining a translatable end to which a restrainer is attached and an opposing end attached to said first arm; and a first restorer attached between said second arm and said third arm, said first restorer resisting relative motion between said second arm and said third arm.

Abstract: A multilength tubular transporter is provided, comprising a base frame, including at least two main beams, wherein the main beams are connected by a plurality of cross members, a floor substantially covering the areas defined by the main beams and cross members; a plurality of substantially vertical guide members connected to each of the main beams; a lifting arrangement operatively connected to the base frame for enabling the transporter to be lifted to and from a vehicle; a stacking device operatively connected to the base frame for engaging the guide members of a second transporter, wherein the transporters may be securely stacked; and wherein the base frame includes one or more winches for securing tubulars within the transporter.

Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, a laterally extending top truss structure, and a central vertically oriented web work structure for carrying vertical shear loads between the top truss and the center sill and decking. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon in which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a deep upper beam structure that has downwardly extending skirts. The skirts provide an extended bearing area upon against which bundled loads can be secured. The skirts are inwardly reinforced to discourage deflection between adjacent upright members of the vertical web work.

Abstract: A cross-weave load restraint system and method for securing cargo within transport containers including first and second load restraining strips wherein the first strip is formed with a cross-weave material and the second strip is composed of parallel strands of reinforcement materiel. The first and second strips of reinforcement material are secured together with an adhesive layer and a second layer of adhesive is provided for attaching the cross-weave load restraining strip to an interior surface of a transport container.

Abstract: An improved method of shipping and storing tires having a removable tread belt mounted to a tire carcass which are typically used on large vehicles such as earthmovers. The method includes shipping the tread belt separately from the tire carcass; and holding two opposite sides of the tread belt in mating engagement during shipping.

Abstract: An adjustable load stabilizer secures loads of any size within the width of the track carried in a cargo bed of a truck or SUV and which extend beyond the vehicle tailgate, while not interfering with the operation of the tailgate or cargo bed when permanently installed. The load stabilizer comprises two brackets which are mounted to the vehicle tailgate and which support a traversing track which is offset from the tailgate by 3 inches, mounted parallel to and lower than the top of the tailgate. Two travelling arm carriers move freely along the length of the traversing track, each supporting a collapsible arm. The travelling arm carriers are moved into position to stabilize the extended load and the collapsible arms are then raised. Raising the collapsible arms creates an interference fit with the traversing track thus securing the arms in the upright position. The arms thus prevent the extended load from sliding around the cargo bed during transport.

Abstract: A load restraint system and method for securing cargo within transport containers having corrugated side wall surfaces with lands and alternative valleys said load restraining strips are attached to the side wall surfaces only on the land surfaces of the transport container.

Abstract: A laminated load restraint system and method for securing cargo within transport containers including first and second load restraining strips wherein each strip includes a substrate, a first layer of adhesive, a second layer of adhesive, a first layer of reinforcement strands and a second layer of reinforcement strands and a third layer of adhesive for attachment to a transport container interior surface.

Abstract: A monolithic load restraint system and method for securing cargo within transport containers including first and second monolithic, flexible strips, a first intermediate layer of adhesive and a second layer of adhesive for attachment to a transport container interior surface.

Abstract: Frames and attachments thereto and methods of use thereof for the support and/or releasable securing of cargo and/or cargo containers upon and/or to cargo containers and/or cargo container transports and/or lifting devices. Linking frame (10) may be used upon and/or beneath containers that possess insufficient mutually corresponding mounting-points to otherwise enable them to be vertically stacked and secured together. Parallel longitudinal beams (11) are joined by shorter lateral beams (12). Attached directly or indirectly, protruding outward the outer side surfaces of said framework, are connectors (13) able to correspond upwardly and/or downwardly with various mounting-point layouts as provided upon the surfaces of cargo transport equipment.

Abstract: A system including apparatus and methods for compressively retaining cargo to a vehicular surface may, upon adjustment, frictionally engage the underside of the upper lip of a truck bed sidewall and transmit a compressive force to a cargo retention element positioned substantially above vehicular cargo. A vertical compression force enhancement element, which may be the same as an adjustable vertical compression force transfer element, may be a threaded rod and threadably mated nut system. The invention also discloses an extendable vertical compression force base element to fit differently sized truck beds, for example.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging elongate members, such as drillpipe (40) and downhole tubulars, comprises a frame comprising a base (6) and side members (2), and packing members (23) for engaging with the side members (2). The packing members (23) have a deformable portion (22) for engaging elongate members to be handled. Tie down chains (19) or other retainers hold the packing members (23) in contact with the elongate members (40).

Abstract: A device for anchoring and safely transporting equipment in land or water vehicles is described. The device comprises a metal hanger that is welded on one side to a flat steel bar that is bent into an offset U-shape whose top extends further than its bottom and allows the top to support a load. The device includes a metal bolt that clamps and anchors the material being transported. Other parts of the device include a metal bolt as clamping means, a movable metal rod in a T configuration on the bottom of the bolt, elastomeric fastening means, and a swivel head crimped to the top of the bolt such that the bolt and rod securely attach the hanger to a rail of a vehicle to secure the device in place. Elastomeric fastening means attach to the hanger device which a user laterally stretches across an item being transported to securely hold it in place during transport.

Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, a laterally extending top truss structure, and a central vertically oriented web work structure for carrying vertical shear loads between the top truss and the center sill and decking. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon in which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a deep upper beam structure that has downwardly extending skirts. The skirts provide an extended bearing area upon against which bundled loads can be secured. The skirts are inwardly reinforced to discourage deflection between adjacent upright members of the vertical web work.